LONDON – Roger Federer hopes to get another chance to win Wimbledon once again on Sunday as part of Center Court’s 100th anniversary celebrations.
Asked by hosts John McEnroe and Sue Barker if he would ever return to play Wimbledon, Federer replied: “I hope I can come back once again.”
Federer’s last competitive match was in the semifinals of Wimbledon last year, when he lost in a straight set to Hubert Harkaz. In mid-August, Federer announced that he was undergoing surgery on his knee and would be absent for “several months”.
The 40-year-old Federer said last month that he wants to return to high-level tennis in 2023 and will be playing in the Laver Cup at the end of September as his return begins.
News of the eight-time champion being at Wimbledon spread on Sunday morning when he was spotted walking around the field. Federer was the last of the previous champions to land on the famous turf as part of the festivities, and he received a spontaneous response from the audience.
Asked about some memories of playing on this famous court, Federer said: “I am lucky to have played so many matches on this court. It seems strange to be in a different role here today.
“It’s great to be here with all the other champions. This court has given me my greatest victory and my greatest loss.
Federer said he knew he was “in the next year” due to an injury he suffered while playing at Wimbledon in 2021.
He said, “I never thought it would take so long to come back. My knee is stiff. “” This year has gone well regardless of tennis. We’re happy at home. I didn’t know I had to travel, but I’m glad I’m here now. “